Nicki Black, fashion and creative director

Nicki Black, fashion and creative director

Author: Host Sandra F July 18, 2024 Duration: 25:36

After leaving school and studying fashion design Nicki Black joined a PR firm. She hated it.


But a friendly stylist took Nicki under her wing and helped her navigate into the world of fashion shoots. Over the last 20-plus years she has carved out a stellar career as a fashion and creative director, working on campaigns for big-name brands such as Adidas, Under Armour and Next, as well as in-house for glossy magazines.


A pivotal moment came in the quiet days of lockdown, when Nicki had time to explore her growing interest in sustainability. She started studying MOOC modules in sustainable fashion management with Future Learn, and this year (2024) she gained a Masters in the subject, an achievement over three years of juggling assignments with long working hours and family commitments.


In the podcast Nicki talks about

  • securing a career in the world of creative direction
  • the challenges associated with sustainability in fashion
  • changing attitudes to waste on shoots.


Nicki also reveals some of the big name stars she has styled over the years and her hopes for a new venture that brings a greener outlook to creative direction.



Also mentioned in this podcast:

FutureLearn

The Sustainability Management School (SUMAS)

The Great British Sewing Bee


You might also like to listen to:

Mark Sumner, Leeds School of Design at Leeds University S1 E6

Jamie Osborn of The Green Party and MCS Foundation S1 E2

Glen Burrows S2


Host Sandra Kessell and her guests talk about how they progressed into their Green, Ethical, Sustainable or Socially responsible jobs and offer real-world insights into courses and pathways for following in their footsteps.

Instagram ProGRESS

Twitter ProGRESS Careers

Content © Sandra Kessell

Music © Lyze Kessell

Email: Hello@myPro-GRESS.co.uk

Expect revelations, lightbulb moments and an informative listen on ProGRESS, with plenty of insights as guests explain how and why got into their Green, Ethical, Sustainable and Socially Responsible career or course (the GRESS of ProGRESS) with plenty of tips if you want to do the same.


Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.


Host Sandra F guides ProGRESS, a podcast built on conversations with people who have chosen to align their work with their principles. This isn't about generic career advice; it's a deep dive into the daily realities of building a life in green, ethical, and socially responsible fields. Each episode features a direct, unscripted talk with someone navigating this landscape-from sustainability consultants and environmental researchers to ethical entrepreneurs and conservationists. You'll also hear from voices shaping our world in less expected ways, including city planners, campaigners, architects, and even a philosopher or a comedian, all offering their unique perspective on what it means to work with purpose. The discussions are grounded in personal experience, covering the challenges, breakthroughs, and practical insights gained from their eclectic paths. Listening to this podcast feels like pulling up a chair to a candid coffee chat with someone who's actively building a career that matters to them, offering genuine inspiration and actionable understanding for anyone curious about where their own skills and values might intersect.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 56

ProGRESS
Podcast Episodes
Sarah Kessell CEO of The Wildlife Trust of South and West Wales [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 23:03
This week's episode features Sarah Kessell, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) at The Wildlife Trust of South and West Wales.Sarah reveals the early story behind her green career, before the word conservation became part…
Leora Shlasko, Laura Yeates and the Sustainable Recruitment Alliance [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 34:06
This week’s guests are Laura Yeates and Leora Shlasko of the Sustainable Recruitment Alliance.Laura is the senior manager overseeing Global Professional Staff Diversity & Inclusion at City law firm Latham & Watkins. Laur…
Jamie Osborn Green Party councillor [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 26:12
After graduating from the University of Cambridge with a degree in English literature, climate activist Jamie Osborn started studying for a Masters in sustainability and behaviour change at the Centre for Alternative Tec…
Rae Wilkinson, award-winning sustainable garden designer [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 29:16
Award-winning garden designer Rae Wilkinson puts sustainability at the core of her approach to garden design and the beautiful results speak volumes. In this episode she discusses how sustainability plays a part in her e…